BCB Condemns Violent Attacks on Leading Newspapers

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has expressed profound concern and vehement condemnation over the recent violent attacks, vandalism, and arson targeting the offices of the country’s leading daily newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. In a statement released on Saturday, the BCB described the incidents as “extremely alarming” and emphasised that such acts of violence are entirely incompatible with the fundamental values of a democratic society.

The board stressed that these attacks are not merely assaults on two media organisations but constitute a direct affront to press freedom and the public’s right to be informed. “A free and independent media forms one of the core pillars of democracy,” the BCB statement noted. It further warned that any attempt to intimidate journalists, disrupt their work, or silence their voices through violence or destruction weakens the very foundations of the nation’s democratic framework.

Expressing solidarity with the journalists, editors, staff, and officers of both newspapers, the BCB acknowledged the fear, insecurity, and professional disruption caused by the attacks. The board underscored that the repercussions of such incidents extend far beyond the immediate victims, affecting the media ecosystem as a whole. Reaffirming its commitment, the BCB stated that it remains steadfast in support of free, professional, and responsible journalism, and will continue to defend press independence.

The statement also highlighted the essential role of a fearless, independent, and accountable media in promoting good governance, social progress, and democratic accountability. Attempts to suppress the media through threats or violence endanger journalists’ lives and erode public trust in state institutions. The BCB expressed hope that normalcy would be restored swiftly, allowing Prothom Alo and The Daily Star to resume their journalistic work with their characteristic professionalism, credibility, and integrity.

Earlier, the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF) had also strongly condemned the attacks, recognising the long-standing contribution of both newspapers to the development of sports in Bangladesh, particularly football. Likewise, the Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA), Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association (BSJA), and Bangladesh Sports Journalists Community (BSJC) jointly demanded that the perpetrators be swiftly identified, prosecuted, and subjected to exemplary punishment, warning that failure to ensure accountability would further jeopardise journalists’ safety.

According to reports, the attacks were orchestrated amid attempts by vested interests to incite unrest following the murder of Sharif Osman Hadi, coordinator of the Inquilab Mancha. On Thursday night, coordinated acts of vandalism and arson disrupted the offices of both newspapers, leading to the temporary suspension of their print editions and hindering online operations.

The incidents have sparked widespread outrage across civil society, professional bodies, and the cultural sector, with citizens urging the protection of media freedom, the safeguarding of journalists, and the cessation of violence-driven politics in the country.